R&D Software Engineer II, Steward Observatory

Software Development Integration: Develop, maintain, modify, and integrate software applications used in the fabrication of large astronomical telescope mirrors, including systems supporting casting furnaces, grinding equipment, polishing equipment, and related fabrication processes. Develop and maintain software ranging from low-level and real-time equipment control to data acquisition, data processing, analysis, graphical user interfaces, and web-based applications. Develop, maintain, and enhance software supporting optical metrology systems involving interferometry, deflectometry, laser tracking, scanning pentaprism testing, and other specialized measurement systems used to evaluate and characterize telescope mirrors. Design and develop software solutions for new research and development projects by evaluating requirements, defining technical approaches, developing applications, and integrating software with specialized scientific and engineering systems. Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration: Collaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, and other software engineers to develop multidisciplinary software solutions and integrate software with laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and fabrication systems. System Enhancement, Testing Troubleshooting: Analyze existing software and systems to identify performance, reliability, usability, and functionality improvements, and implement appropriate enhancements. Develop and execute unit tests, integration tests, and other software testing activities to verify functionality, reliability, and interoperability of software and hardware systems. Troubleshoot software, equipment interfaces, data acquisition systems, and related technical issues; identify root causes and implement corrective solutions. Data Processing Analysis: Process, analyze, and manage data generated by fabrication and metrology systems to support research, engineering, testing, and manufacturing activities. Documentation Technical Review: Develop and maintain technical documentation, software documentation, user instructions, and other project documentation necessary to support system operation and maintenance. Review software and technical documentation developed by others and provide recommendations related to functionality, maintainability, testing, and integration. Systems Support Infrastructure: Support the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computers, software environments, and network-connected systems used to operate and support specialized research and fabrication equipment. Project Participation User Support: Participate in project planning, technical discussions, design reviews, and implementation activities for new and existing research and development projects. Train scientists, engineers, technicians, and other users in the operation of software applications, equipment interfaces, and related systems. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Ability to self-motivate and work independently. Ability to work in a cross-functional team. Safety-focused, with the ability to produce software that provides safe, reliable, and correct operation. Proficiency in developing software using C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages. Proficiency with Linux and Windows operating systems. Ability to develop, configure, or interface software with microcontrollers and embedded hardware platforms, including Delta Tau PMAC, Raspberry Pi, and Teensy/Arduino systems. Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands: Noise levels may be sufficient to require shouting in order to be heard above surrounding noise. Work safely around moving machinery, vehicles, electrical equipment, and energized systems. Perform work from ladders, scaffolding, elevated platforms, and other high locations as required. Safely handle and work around chemicals, oils, lubricants, and cutting fluids. Follow established safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Safely work in environments with exposure to dust, fumes, odors, chemicals, and other atmospheric conditions associated with fabrication and testing operations. Safely perform work in confined or restricted-access spaces as required to support equipment, instrumentation, and facility systems.